This type of training creates a solid base for various other exercises

Instructor: Bailey Wright competed as a gymnast for 13 years before moving to coaching. She taught CrossFit to kids and obtained her CrossFit level 1 certification. While working at a different gym years ago, Wright met Dave Kim and the pair opened CrossFit Cielo at its current location four years ago.

What is the workout? A gymnastics-focused, muscle-conditioning workout for adults.

Taylor Middlebrooks works out at CrossFit Cielo in Superior last week. For more photos of the class go to dailycamera.com. (Jeremy Papasso / Staff Photographer)

Gymnastics, at its core, is about bodyweight training. You don't often find gymnasts pumping iron at the local gym. Instead, they are typically working on technique, muscle conditioning and skills that help get them in the air or around the bar. Sure, bodybuilders lift heavy weights, but can they deadlift into a handstand?

Students who find themselves at CrossFit Cielo are looking for workout instruction that will help them live a more fulfilling and active lifestyle, with long-term gains. Gymnastics training works on functional skills and strength-building that creates a solid base for other exercises.

"We are always going to do some kind of static stretching, we are always going to do some kind of conditioning, body-weight and a lot of core," said Wright, "and then I like to do straight-up gymnastics skills."

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Wright doesn't stick to a specific curriculum.

"I mix it up as much as possible, at the same time always getting those core things in," said Wright. "Got to get our conditioning, got to get our skills and got to get the flexibility."

What's different? I've been to many CrossFit gyms, and most of them only provide CrossFit classes. At Cielo, instructors offer a variety of well-rounded classes. Outside of regular CrossFit classes is bootcamp, strength training, Olympic lifting, mobility, Pilates and gymnastics classes. This breaks up the schedule, allowing people to rest between heavy-lifting days while still working on conditioning and flexibility.

The studio caters to people new to CrossFit who are looking for a place that is open to everyone. Wright and Kim teach most of the classes together, which offers two instructors among a small group of students.

"We swore to each other that we were going to focus on being a no-injury gym," said Wright.

Cost: The first class is free. There is currently a special that gets students a week of unlimited classes for $15. A 10-class punch pass is $170. All memberships offer unlimited classes and vary in price based on the length of the membership. The 12-month unlimited membership is $149 a month.

Level: Anyone can take this class. Most adults don't have gymnastics experience, so new students won't feel out of place.

"It's a fun class that really can be for anyone, no matter what level," said Wright, "because, like CrossFit, it can be modified."

At CrossFit Cielo, everyone does their own thing and works at their own pace. There isn't an opportunity to compare yourself to others.

When: The hour-long class is at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesdays.

What to prepare: Workout clothes you can move and stretch in. No shoes are worn during class.

Muscles worked: It's full-body with a lot of core work and shoulder exercises. Soreness will vary. I have tight hamstrings, so I had sore hamstrings for days.

What I loved: I loved that the studio offered more than just CrossFit classes. Gym memberships aren't cheap and it's hard to justify paying for a gym that doesn't check all the boxes. I also liked the attention to form with no pressure to push myself too hard.

What I didn't like: I'm glad I got there early because it took me a while to find the place and my maps app took me to Costco. There is a sign on the gym that faces the street, but I couldn't see it at night. On the back of the building where students park, there wasn't a sign I could easily see.

How I felt after the class: I felt limber and I was pleasantly surprised by how well I did with some moves. Not so much with others.

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